Ukraine House in Denmark Together with Mystetskyi Arsenal, opened the ‘Heart of Earth’ Exhibition in Copenhagen to the Independence Day of Ukraine

The highly anticipated ‘Heart of Earth’ exhibition, one of Ukraine’s most significant wartime cultural projects, is unveiled in Copenhagen, Ukraine House in Denmark, on August 23 in the context of the 33rd Ukraine’s Independence celebrations. Curated by the esteemed Mystetskyi Arsenal (Kyiv, Ukraine), this exhibition showcases the profound reflections of 17 Ukrainian artists on their nation’s deep-rooted connection to its land. They also explore their home as a crucial granary for entire continents. The exhibition’s opening was accompanied by a performance by the Ukrainian band Pyrih i Batih with a musical composition for Oleksandr Dovzhenko’s film Earth, screened in one of Copenhagen’s most iconic churches, Vor Frelsers Kirke.

Photo Report from the Opening of the Exhibition. Photo by Charlotte Quitzau, David Avakian 

“The ‘Heart of Earth’ exhibition is the second project which was opened at Mystetskyi arsenal after the start of the full-scale invasion. Back then, we were talking about the manifestation of the relationship between people and the earth, as well as the importance of Ukraine for the world’s food security. Since then, the exhibition has not lost its relevance but has only been filled with new meanings. Therefore, it was important for us to include the story of the inevitable change in the landscapes of the Kherson region as a result of the explosion of the Kakhovka Dam,” says Natasha Chychasova, curator of the exhibition, head of the Contemporary Art Department at Mystetskyi arsenal.” We are grateful to our partners and all the artists for the opportunity to show this exhibition in Denmark. Because the war destroys not only Ukrainian cities and villages, it destroys the nature of our common home.”

Copenhagen Edition: Due to its growing importance and resonance, the exhibition has been updated for its Copenhagen debut.

‘Heart of Earth’ was initially conceived by a flagship Ukrainian cultural institution, Mystetskyi Arsenal, in response to the devastating impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Through their evocative works, the artists explored themes of colonial exploitation, the weaponization of food, and environmental damage caused by war. The exhibition aimed to highlight Ukraine’s crucial role in global food security, a topic that has become increasingly relevant amidst russian attacks on grain export infrastructure, the destruction of dams, and the escalating ecological crisis.

“The Russo-Ukrainian war of 2014 and its full-scale invasion phase that started in 2022 has coincided with the profound cultural transformation of Ukrainian society. A nation that survived the 1932-1933 Holodomor – one of several Soviet man-induced famines, a killing by hunger that took away the lives of over four mln Ukrainians, has not only started to recognize the trauma that it endured but also formed the ambition to ensure that such crimes as famines never happen anywhere again, that food should never be weaponized. Unfortunately, in 2022, as the Russian army started not only killing the Ukrainian people but also stealing and burning the Ukrainian grain, the world saw how an evil regime could easily blackmail millions of people in Africa with hunger in the 21st century. Ukrainians, as well as others, realized the crucial role that Ukraine plays in world food security as well as in protecting the foundations of international law that govern how we can protect the planet from further destruction. The exhibition Heart of Earth, which we have the honor to internationalize and premier in Denmark together with Mystetskyi arsenal, informs about the future of humankind that is being decided today on the Ukrainian battlefield. Every visitor will have a chance to make a better-informed decision about the personal role each of us plays in protecting our homelands and the world from the looming catastrophes,” says Nataliia Popovych, chairperson of Ukraine House in Denmark.

The opening of the exhibition was attended by the Mayor of Copenhagen for Integration Jens-Kristian Lütken and Mia Nyegaard, Culture and Leisure Mayor.

“The amazing work of 17 Ukrainian artists is a manifestation of their deep connection to their homeland, to Ukrainian soil and to Ukraine’s vital role in global food security.
In these times so burdened by death and destruction, it’s important to remember how much Ukraine in fact is a source of life. I hope that this exhibition will serve as a beacon of hope. A reminder never to lose faith in a better future, even in the most difficult of times,“ says the Mayor of Copenhagen for Integration Jens-Kristian Lütken.

After viewing the exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to hear the first live performance of the composition by Ukrainian band Pyrih I Batih for Olexandr Dovzhenko’s classic silent film “The Earth.” The concert took place in one of the most iconic churches in Copenhagen, Vor Frelsers Kirke, which is known for its spiral staircase around the church spire, offering a panoramic view of the entire city center.

The exhibition is open from August 23 to November 24, 2024.

Parallel Programme: In conjunction with the exhibition, a series of panel discussions will be held, bringing together Danish, Ukrainian, and international experts. These sessions will focus on sustainable rebuilding efforts and postwar economic models for Ukraine, providing a platform for scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders to share insights and strategies.

Artists: Kateryna Aliinyk, Katya Buchatska, Oleksandr Burlaka, Andrii Dostliev & Lia Dostlieva, Ksenia Hnylytska, Nikita Kadan, Zhanna Kadyrova, Alevtina Kakhidze, Kateryna Lysovenko, Daryna Mamaisur, Elias Parvulesco, Viktoriia Rozentsveih, Anton Saienko, Olena Turianska, Bohdana Voitenko, Anna Zvyagintseva.

Curators: Natasha Chychasova, Olesia Ostrovska-Liuta, Anna Pohribna, Olga Zhuk.

Ukraine House in Denmark, Gammel Dok, Strandgade 27B, 1401, Copenhagen
Tuesday to Friday 16:00-19:00
Saturday, Sunday 12:00-18:00
Monday closed

The project is implemented by Ukraine House in Denmark and Mystetskyi Arsenal with support of IZOLYATSIA foundation, Trans Europe Halles and Malý Berlín and co-financed by the ZMINA: Rebuilding program, created with the support of the European Union under a dedicated call for proposals to support Ukrainian displaced people and the Ukrainian Cultural and Creative Sectors.

With the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of Denmark, Politiken-Fonden, Dovzhenko Centre.

Ukraine House in Denmark is a cultural diplomacy institution with a mission to deepen Ukrainian-Danish cooperation in the field of culture and creative industries for sustainable peace in Europe. Based in Gammel Dok, Copenhagen, since February 2023, an international volunteer team has held 5 exhibitions of Ukrainian contemporary art, architecture, design, and photography, organized more than 70 panel discussions involving 100+ Ukrainian and Danish parliamentarians, journalists, artists, architects and other opinion leaders, integrated Ukrainian content into leading Danish cultural platforms, such as the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Copenhagen Architecture Festival, Kulturnatten, 3daysofdesign, Copenhagen Photo Festival, etc. Since July 2023, the Ukraine House has become an associate member of the Association of Cultural Institutes of EU countries.

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